Morning Pages: Because your brain deserves a place to wander before breakfast

A gentle way to start the day with your own thoughts (even the messy ones)

Julia Cameron introduced Morning Pages in "The Artist's Way," but here's a secret: the best Morning Pages happen in bed, with messy hair and messier thoughts, while the world is still quiet enough to hear your own mind. They're not about writing well—they're about writing true. And sometimes "true" means writing "I hate mornings and I don't want to do this" for an entire page. That's okay. That's actually perfect.

I started Morning Pages during one of the hardest years of my life, not because I wanted to build a writing practice, but because my brain was too full and I needed somewhere to put the excess thoughts. Some days I wrote three pages of what felt like pure static. Other days I wrote half a page and fell back asleep. But slowly, in that space between sleep and full wakefulness, I started to hear myself more clearly.

Ritual breakdown: Turn stream of consciousness into a steady practice

Morning Pages aren't about writing well—they're about writing honestly. The traditional practice calls for three pages of longhand writing first thing in the morning. But let's be real: some mornings you can barely remember how to spell your own name, let alone write three whole pages. So here's the neurodivergent-friendly version:

I open a simple notes app for my morning pages. Not my work documents or public writing spaces—that pressure would kill the whole vibe. Just a basic document that doesn't care if my typing is full of errors or my thoughts wander mid-sentence. Some mornings I write three pages of revelations. Other mornings I write "I'm still asleep" seventeen times. Both are equally valid Morning Pages.

• Find a notebook or app that doesn't feel precious (this isn't about being perfect)

• Set a timer if you like structure (10-20 minutes is plenty)

• Write whatever comes to mind, even if it's "I don't know what to write"

• No editing, no judging, no trying to make sense

• Typing is fine if handwriting is a barrier

• Voice notes work too—the medium isn't what matters

• Stop when you're done (whether that's 3 pages or 3 sentences)

The key is making it a judgment-free space for your morning brain to untangle itself.

How to fit in more of this: Making space for morning thoughts without morning pressure

I'll be honest—I abandon Morning Pages for months at a time because I will suddenly decide I have to do them "right." Get up at 5am, write exactly three pages, somehow have profound insights before I'm fully awake. That's not how it works. At least, that's not how it works for me.

These days, it’s almost always a voice note. The practice adapts to meet you where you are—handwriting, typing, voice notes, whatever works for your brain that day. The practice adapts to meet you where you are.

Personal Notes: A quiet conversation with yourself before the world gets loud

The first time I filled a notebook with Morning Pages, I went back and read it (which Julia Cameron specifically tells you not to do, by the way). What I found wasn't profound wisdom or brilliant creative insights. It was me, learning to hear myself think. Learning what my own voice sounded like when I wasn't trying to make it sound like anything in particular.

Perfect for January reflection as we're naturally drawn inward. The darker mornings create a cozy container for quiet thoughts. Plus, there's something magical about writing while the world is still waking up, like you're sharing secrets with the dawn.

Final Thoughts: Let your mind wander on paper

Morning Pages aren't about creating content or being productive. They're not about becoming a better writer or unlocking your creativity (though those things might happen). They're about giving your brain a safe place to dump its thoughts before tackling the day. Think of it as taking your brain for a gentle morning walk, meandering wherever it wants to go.

Some days you'll write profound insights. Other days you'll write grocery lists and complaints about your neighbor's loud car. Both are perfect. Both are exactly what Morning Pages should be.

Tell me about your Morning Pages journey in the comments below! What helps you stick with the practice? What gets in your way? Let's share our messy morning thoughts together 💭

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Ritual #289 from the Joy Rituals Database, reimagined for neurodivergent creators who want to start their day with a little more space for their own thoughts.